Scan barcode
zedohee's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
first half is completely engrossing but after that the story settles into an overly mechanical predictability that while still interesting, had me skimming through large chunks in an effort to just get to the end.
the author excelled in portraying the frenzied, vicious stupidity of racism and colorism, how race, gender and class intersect and the consequences of self denial and self preservation. but after a while things started to feel repetitive and never ending. which i guess is realistic.
mostly i couldn’t stop thinking about samantha, about what her life would look like and how stuck and unaware of her position she was. anyway.
it all matters but not but not in the ways we think. senna is right about that, at least.
the author excelled in portraying the frenzied, vicious stupidity of racism and colorism, how race, gender and class intersect and the consequences of self denial and self preservation. but after a while things started to feel repetitive and never ending. which i guess is realistic.
mostly i couldn’t stop thinking about samantha, about what her life would look like and how stuck and unaware of her position she was. anyway.
it all matters but not but not in the ways we think. senna is right about that, at least.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Abandonment
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia
bribreads's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
'Caucasia' is a powerful testament to the ways memory shapes us and to the steadfast resilience of our loved one's impressions. It is simultaneously a coming-of-age novel and a historical recounting of a racially turbulent time in recent American history. Through the eyes of Birdie, we are able to see the complexities of identity and the deep intimacy of culture; Birdie remains fiercely connected to her Black heritage despite her attempts at whiteness, haunted by the loss she experienced as a child. Reconciliation and grief are recurrent themes throughout the book. We follow Birdie through the bewildering end of childhood to the growing pains of puberty to the bleak yet profound acceptance of our parent's own humanity. This book felt deeply personal to me as a mixed Black woman but will strike a chord with anyone who has questioned what it means to belong. A perfect introduction to American racial relations from a deeply personal perspective. 'Caucasia' is a modern classic in the making.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, and Alcohol